Qatari, Lebanese premiers discuss Gaza conflict, its repercussions on Lebanon

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Friday discussed with his Lebanese counterpart Najib Mikati Israeli attacks on Gaza and its repercussions on Lebanon.

The conversation between Sheikh Mohammed and Mikati comes after Israel targeted Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut.

The Gulf country's prime minister "stressed the danger of attempts aiming to drag Lebanon into a regional war, emphasizing that the widening scope of violence and the circle of conflict in the region would have severe consequences if expanded, particularly on Lebanon and neighboring countries," according to Qatar News Agency.

Sheikh Mohammed also underscored "the urgent need for the international community to take immediate action to stop Israeli violations of international law."

Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire along the shared border since the Oct. 7 cross-border attack by Hamas. But the killing of the senior Hamas leader in Beirut has stoked fresh fears of escalation. Arouri was killed in an airstrike earlier this week, but Israel has not confirmed if it was behind the attack.